Beloved, demons are undercover spirit-personalities with an intense craving to occupy physical bodies, especially that of humans – Lk. 8:30-33.
So, humans are their first choice of habitation and influence. This is because they possess the personality traits of humans. Their intention or mandate is to influence, control and take charge of man and society, thereby preventing the influence of the Holy Spirit over man and society. This way, they oppose the Kingdom or rule of God in people’s lives on earth.
Marks of personality
Demons have marks of personality just like humans such as will– Matt 12:44; emotions – Jas. 2:19; intellect – Mk. 1:24 etc.
So, they can formulate doctrines that appeal to the intelligence of man – 1 Tim. 4:1.
They also have self-awareness – Mk. 5:9 and the ability to speak. In the Synoptic Gospels, we see demons engage in conversation through the vocal cords of people they possessed.
The Origin of demons
The origin of demons is not clearly stated in the Bible. So it is good to let it remain like that – Deut. 29:29. What is important for us to know about them is what God has clearly revealed to us.
How demons operate
Now, because they have the traits of persons like humans and also the negative traits of fallen man, they find rest in humans. Thus, outside man, they become uncomfortable or restless.
They, therefore, hide behind the base nature of man [or the works of the flesh or carnal nature]
, in order to avoid detection.
Therefore, a demon of anger will enter somebody who is naturally easily-angered to avoid being detected. Now, by hiding behind and reinforcing the carnal base nature of mankind, their activities are largely taken as normal human behaviour – Jas. 3:15; Gal. 5:21b.
This way, they prevent the Kingdom or rule of God in your life. Therefore, to bring about God’s Kingdom or rule in a person or a place, sometimes, you have to deal both with the base nature of man and expel demons as well.
Seven-fold general activities of demons
1. Demons devour – Mal. 3:10-12; S.O.S 2:15
Demons are fruit-eaters who try to feed on the fruit of your spirit when they cannot possess your spirit. The fruit of a human spirit in which the Holy Spirit is, are love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control – Gal. 5:22-23.
Beloved, when people come around you they must pick up the abundance of these fruits all around you. But, demons like to eat up your joy, peace, love, patience etc. They do this by trying to disturb you, tempting you to live by the works of the flesh, under the excuse that you are human.
2. Demons entice – 1 Kgs. 22:21-22; 2 Chron. 18:20-22; 1Tim. 4:1
They try to persuade people to do evil. This persuasion is often stronger than a temptation that comes about through your lust – Jas. 1:14. Demonic enticement is usually by suggesting something to you verbally. An example is Jesus’ temptation – Matt. 4:1ff. Others are, ‘take your life, harm somebody’etc.
3. Demons defile –Matt. 12:43-44
Demons are “unclean spirits” who may operate in the thoughts and imaginations of people, by defiling it – 2 Cor. 10:3-5. This defilement may take the form of strong, uninvited, impure, lustful images and fantasies that come to your mind when you try to pray, meditate on the Bible etc. They can even sing obscene songs to you.
4. Demons harass
Yes, they can put incessant pressure on you. They may stalk you, study you, follow your movements, observe your weak moments etc. They study your family history, get familiar with you and try to influence you at your moment of weakness.
They can harass a person by authoritatively saying to the one that ‘he will die on a trip, or at an age; that you will lose your family, mind’etc. They can fix your mind on something bad. And, they like to stay in the same area, family or country – Mk. 5:9-10. That is why some particular trends and traits seem to thrive in particular families, or tribes or geographical areas.
5. Demons torture – Matt. 18:34-35
Their torture could be physical, like an excruciating pain; mental, like you have committed an unpardonable sin; spiritual, like ill-luck following you; verbal, like telling you to cut off your fingers etc
6. Demons compel
Beloved, behind every compulsion and addiction, is usually a demon. Compulsory behaviour could be in an area of smoking, eating, telling lies, drugs, drinking, sexual perversions, sleeping, lateness, suspicion etc. Demons enslave and try to control their victim.
7. Demons attack physical bodies
Yes, they can cause unnatural tiredness, sleepiness, restlessness, sickness etc. Demonic influence on the body is sometimes sickness, which is an oppression of the body – Acts 10:38. You will surely overcome all these activities of demons in whatever form they manifest – I Jn. 4:4. Yes, you will not leave the Kingdom or ruler-ship to demon-spirits, in Jesus name! – Dan. 2:44.
